MLC Research

Critical Issues
Sectors
Member Roles

SURVEY: Choppy Supply Chain Seas Making Skilled Sailors

MLCโ€™s survey finds supply chain disruptions remain widespread, driven by shortages, inflation and labor issues, with 36% expecting them to last over a year. Manufacturers are responding with digital tools, reshoring and regional partnerships to boost resiliency.

Survey: Smarter Factories Are on the Way

Manufacturers are continuing M4.0 investments despite economic uncertainty, with more company-wide digital deployments and strong expectations for major gains in factory digitization by 2025.

Survey: Sustainability Momentum Surges Dramatically

MLC research shows sustainability is now a major driver of manufacturing transformation, with 68% of companies using corporate-wide strategies and 58% calling it essential to competitiveness. 90% of executives say the industry has a special responsibility to move toward a circular economy.

SURVEY: Manufacturers Get Tough on Cybersecurity

Manufacturers are strengthening cybersecurity with formal plans, dedicated budgets, training, and higher confidence in internal expertise, according to an MLC survey. The biggest risks now are business disruption and vulnerabilities in connected networks.

SURVEY: Future Outlook: Hazy

MLCโ€™s survey finds pandemic-driven M4.0 adoption has slowed or stalled for many manufacturers, as talent shortages, supply constraints and budget pressures temper digital transformation plans.